Corn on the What? Development of Phrase Frequency Effects in Background Noise
Abstract
Children recognize and produce more frequent phrases (e.g., "corn on the cob") more accurately than less frequent phrases (e.g., "corn on the tray"). Here, we ask how phrase frequency affects language processing in background noise and whether this effect changes across childhood. We presented high- and low-frequency four-word phrases ("corn on the cob" vs. "corn on the tray") in quiet or in speech-shaped background noise to 40 children with typical language development aged 3-12 years. Children's repetition accuracy, response time, and phrase duration were measured. Across measures, results showed advantages for high- vs. low-frequency phrases, quiet vs. noise, and older vs. younger children. Interactions between age, frequency, and noise condition were near-zero for most measures, showing limited change across development in the effect of frequency and listening condition. Across typical development, phrase frequency aids language comprehension and production but is not preferentially used to overcome background noise.